Thailand, celebrated for its stunning landscapes, experienced crews, and robust infrastructure, reaffirmed its status as a top choice for international film productions at the Marché du Film in Cannes. In a press conference held at the Thai Pavilion on May 17, 2024, Mr. Arrun Boonchai, Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Tourism and Sports, delivered a keynote speech highlighting the evolution and success of Thailand’s film incentives program.
First announced seven years ago at the Marché du Film, the film incentives program was designed to elevate Thailand’s appeal to international filmmakers. Initially offering a cash rebate of 15% of local expenditure, the program has since been enhanced, now providing qualifying films with up to 20% rebate. This enhancement underscores Thailand’s unwavering commitment to fostering a conducive environment for filmmakers while maximizing the economic benefits for the Kingdom.
The impact of these incentives has been remarkable. Since 2017, a total of 46 productions have successfully applied for and received the cash rebate. Over the years, Thailand has witnessed a substantial influx of international productions, spanning feature films, TV series, and commercials. In 2016, international productions injected $74 million into the Thai economy. Fast forward to last year, and this figure surged to over $177 million, a strong indicator that the incentives program has fulfilled its objectives.
Beyond its picturesque locales and world-class amenities, Thailand offers filmmakers a welcoming and secure environment, further enhancing its allure as a filming destination of choice. The international production services industry not only provides economic benefits through money spent in Thailand but also serves as a powerful tool for promoting Thailand as a tourist destination and aligns with the Government’s soft power initiatives.
Recent high-profile productions that have chosen Thailand as their filming location include ‘Extraction’, ‘Fast & Furious 9’, ‘Da 5 Bloods’, ‘The Serpent’, and ‘Ms. Marvel’.
“Thailand’s film incentives program stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to the global film community,” remarked Mr. Arrun Boonchai. “We are immensely proud of the program’s success in attracting high-profile productions to our shores, further bolstering Thailand’s reputation as a premier filming destination.”
Looking ahead, the Thai government remains steadfast in its commitment to enhancing Thailand’s appeal as a filming destination. Through ongoing research and development initiatives, the government is constantly exploring ways to further elevate what Thailand has to offer, ensuring that it remains a popular destination for films, with superior skills and a high-value production environment.
